Strong’s Greek 2846 designates the private sleeping or reception room of a household, palace, or large residence. By extension, it can describe the trusted attendant who oversees that inner area. In Scripture the term therefore evokes notions of intimacy, confidentiality and direct access to the head of the house.

Old Testament Background

The Septuagint frequently uses the same word to translate Hebrew חֶדֶר (ḥeder, “inner room” or “bedchamber”), a space associated with safety (Isaiah 26:20), royal intrigue (2 Kings 6:12), or illicit plotting (2 Samuel 13:10). The setting is almost always private; those admitted have a privileged relationship to the principal figure behind the door.

New Testament Occurrence

Acts 12:20 provides the single appearance in the Greek New Testament: “After securing the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace…” (Berean Standard Bible). Blastus, whose very name means “bud” or “shoot,” blossoms in the narrative as the intermediary between Herod Agrippa the First and the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon. His official title highlights his access to the monarch’s most secluded quarters and his ability to influence decisions originating behind palace walls.

Historical and Cultural Setting

In the Roman world a chamberlain (Latin cubicularius) guarded the emperor’s or governor’s personal apartments. The office demanded unimpeachable loyalty, familiarity with court etiquette and administrative skill. Luke’s record shows that provincial rulers in Judaea adopted the same court structure. Blastus stands among a class of powerful yet largely invisible officials who shaped policy by controlling who and what entered the royal κοιτών.

Theological and Spiritual Significance

Acts 12 contrasts human grandeur with divine sovereignty. Herod’s throne, his chamberlain and the diplomatic maneuvering of Tyre and Sidon appear formidable, yet the chapter ends with Herod struck down by the angel of the Lord while “the word of God continued to spread and multiply” (Acts 12:24). The brief mention of κοιτών underscores that even the most secure inner sanctum is permeable to the purposes of God (Psalm 139:11-12; Hebrews 4:13).

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Faithful Service in Obscurity: Like Blastus, many believers minister in unseen roles—hospitality teams, custodians, intercessors—yet their quiet faithfulness can sway critical outcomes (Matthew 6:4).
2. Stewardship of Access: Leadership positions, whether pastoral offices or administrative posts, grant varying levels of “inner-room” access. Scripture calls for integrity, guarding confidences and advancing righteousness, not personal agendas (1 Corinthians 4:2).
3. Prayer for Authorities: The narrative reminds the church to pray for those who stand near political or corporate power, that they might facilitate peace and provision for God’s people (1 Timothy 2:1-2; Jeremiah 29:7).

Related Concepts and Cross References

• Steward (οἰκονόμος): Luke 12:42; 1 Peter 4:10
• Servant-attendant (ὑπηρέτης): Acts 26:16
• Inner room (Hebrew ḥeder): Isaiah 26:20; 2 Kings 6:12
• Divine judgment of prideful rulers: Daniel 4:30-37; Acts 12:23

Summary

Strong’s 2846 points to a private chamber and, by metonymy, the trusted official who governs it. In Acts 12 the chamberlain’s influence highlights the strategic value of unseen service and the ultimate primacy of God’s kingdom over all earthly courts.